Bohemian Garden Quilt | Modern Quilt Pattern by Suzy Quilts

Did you know that I’m a history major?

I not only studied all about Roman, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, and the history of the French Revolution, but I also took countless art history courses. Except for having to memorize so many dates, I loved it ALL.

I’m a very visual person, so I guess it’s really not that big of a surprise that I loved spending 3 hours a week in a dark classroom looking at paintings and learning about the history behind them.

It was just fascinating!

So, to have the chance to combine both my love for art and quilting, I just couldn’t pass it up!

Suzy Quilts’ latest Bohemian Garden quilt pattern does just that by combining the influence of Henri Matisse’s art with the tactile goodness of quilting in a modern take of a whimsical garden.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.

Pattern Design Features

Piecing Instructions

What’s even more appealing is that the pattern not only comes with instructions for 3 different methods (quilting-weight cotton, knit, and whole-cloth knit) to pull this gorgeous design together, but there’s also an in-depth 3-part video tutorial series to walk you through the entire process.

Project Versatility

Oh, and did I mention there’s inspirational layouts for wall hangings, pillows and even clothing?! It’s the pattern that keeps on giving 😉

Behind the Scenes Timing

This pattern came at a time when I was swamped with secret sewing (you know ALL about that if you’re on my weekly newsletter), so sneaking in another project was probably the last thing I should have taken on.

But a Suzy Quilts Pattern + art + quilting = how can you say no?

With an impromptu few hours that opened in my schedule, I got to work.

Fabric Selection

Since I didn’t have a lick of jersey on hand in my fabric stash, I opted to go the quilting-weight cotton route. I love quilting cotton, but I would have loved to tackle a jersey quilt, and hope to one day!

But alas, I was strapped for time and couldn’t wait for a delivery, so cotton would have to do.

Quick Win

The best part about this quilt is that it comes together SUPER quick.

So quick, in fact, that I had the entire quilt pieced, basted and quilted in less than a day.

Less. Than. A. Day.

That’s a record for me!

Quilt Templates

The Bohemian Garden quilt pattern includes/requires using templates. Now, don’t let the idea of templates scare you off. I’m normally not one to fuss with templates, but these fun modern flowers and leaves are just too cute!

Suzy includes loads of instructions and tips on how best to attach them, one being to use Pellon 805 Wonder-Under Fusible Web for raw-edge appliqué (learn how in this step-by-step tutorial). That totally would have been my go-to, but, you guessed it, I didn’t have any of that on hand either.

With my Juki only doing a straight stitch, I was concerned that it would be a frayed mess by the time I was done with it.

To avoid that, I opted for needle-turn appliqué.

Learn how to needle-turn appliqué in this tutorial featuring the Cake Stand quilt.

Project Slowed Down to a Crawl

Here’s where things slowed down for me.

I am hands down the slowest hand stitcher, and I’m an even slower needle-turn appliquéer.

Which is why my quilt is currently a work in progress (WIP). A very pretty WIP, but a WIP none-the-less.

It would have been done LONG ago had I gone the raw-edge appliqué route that is recommended in the pattern. And I have since picked up some fusible webbing for the next Bohemian Garden Quilt project I tackle. I’m loving the idea of a wall hanging or pillow to jazz up the home décor.

On the Bright Side

On the plus side, I am loving the look of the needle-turned appliqué flowers sitting on top of all those yummy quilted straight lines. I know it will look amazing once said and done, but with the limited hand stitching I can tackle at once (read more about creative sustainability here), I’m just focusing on the enjoyment of seeing this pretty design slowly come together.

And it will be the perfect summertime project!

Materials Used

Everything I used in my quilt was entirely pulled from my stash. Love when that happens.

• Bohemian Garden Quilt Pattern
• Blue Linen Like from Makower UK
• Flax Essex Yarn Dyed Linen by Robert Kaufman
• Apricot Cotton Couture Solids by Michael Miller Fabrics
• Blossom Cotton Couture Solids by Michael Miller Fabrics
• Gold Cotton Couture Solids by Michael Miller Fabrics
• Shell Cotton Couture Solids by Michael Miller Fabrics
• Pomegranate Cotton Couture Solids by Michael Miller Fabrics
• Watermelon Cotton Couture Solids by Michael Miller Fabrics
• Vine Maze from the Luxe Collection by Michael Miller Fabrics
• Aurifil Thread 50wt in #2021 for piecing, quilting and needle turn appliquéing
• Frixion Pen
• DMC Pearl Cotton Thread for hand quilting
• Glue stick
• Needles for hand quilting
• Needles for appliqué

Whether you want to tackle this as a super-fast or super-slow-going project, you’re sure to find the perfect approach for you.

Happy quilting!

xo

Shannon

---

Never miss a post – sign up for the weekly newsletter.

This post uses affiliate links. For more info, visit the FAQ page.